John Martin

John Martin - Master of Sublime Destruction

John Martin (1789–1854) was a British Romantic painter and engraver, celebrated for his vast, apocalyptic biblical scenes. Born in Northumberland to modest means, he trained as a glass painter before turning to art. His works, such as The Great Day of His Wrath and Belshazzar’s Feast, stunned Victorian audiences with their monumental scale, dramatic lighting, and visionary landscapes. Often considered ahead of his time, Martin’s dramatic imagination influenced not only painters but also writers and early filmmakers, securing him a place as one of the most theatrical artists of the 19th century.